Tag / Orange County

We’re less than two weeks away from Christmas and if you haven’t caught the spirit of giving bug by now, well, “Bah Humbug, to you!” Living in Newport is already a blessing, and being able to enjoy the holiday season with gorgeous weather and views of sunsets over the ocean is just the sugar-free icing on top of our low-calorie, gluten-free fruitcake. But with wildfires burning to the north and the south, many Californians aren’t having as jolly a season as the rest of us.

So leave it to the Ladies of OCCH to step up and provide some much-needed relief to those suddenly finding themselves in need. The Persian Barbie of Newport Coast, Farah Flagg, tapped into the roots of her community (after touching up those on her bombshell blonde head) and hosted a fundraiser this past Saturday. Held at husband Bryce’s Versace styled mansion, Farah sought to raise money for her Iranian brothers and sisters displaced by fires threatening the poor, disadvantaged one-percenters of Bel Air. It was catered by her favorite Persian restaurant/grocery store and, though new to the OC charitable circuit, the latest Mrs. Flagg garnered last-minute jewelry, fashion, accessory and service donations from her favorite boutiques and businesses for a silent auction. Even Majeed Javaheri’s Instagram entrepreneur wife, Lily Roma, was there with her $40 Lily Lip Kits. But instead of auctioning them off, Lily set up an actual sales booth and offered a 20% discount with a portion of proceeds going to the cause. Some wondered aloud what percent would actually make it to those in need, to which a guest a guest could be overheard doubting any money would go to charity considering the couple’s ongoing tax woes.

To keep the spirit of giving going alive, the following day, Clarice Fernandez and Juliette Stamp partnered to co-host a brunch at Santiago’s, benefitting the horse community ravaged by the San Diego fires. Clarice’s children, Ariela and Dani, accomplished equestrians along with Juliette’s son Cruz, also donated their time to help serve guests. The fashionable duo even forked over their tips to the cause. And I’m sure Cruz would have been eager to do the same if he were actually there. But hey, weekend furloughs from rehab are hard to come by!

Every year, families across the country gather to celebrate all for which they are “thankful.” And every year, by the end of the Holiday Season’s official kickoff, family members and friends nurse wounds from battles instigated by too much wine and close proximity to relatives they don’t fuck with the other 364 days of the year. That Thanksgiving has its roots in the oppression and slaughtering of natives who welcomed “immigrant” guests to a feast, seems to reveal a curse that in all years to follow, those celebrating inevitably end up fighting with one another. While the upper-crust of Newport Coast believe themselves to be above those unfortunate enough to live outside their status defining gates, they’re usually the first to debase themselves and engage in petty squabbles.

Peggy and Gregory Clark’s annual turkey dinner, featuring the highly styled, highly monied and highly leveraged who’s who of the town, is no different. “Thanksgiving withPegs & Gregs,” the Newport equivalent of being invited to the Met Gala, certainly didn’t prevent guests from acting a fool in the spacious confines of Emerald Heights’s most elegant home. To no one’s surprise, stepdaughter Kat was drunk on arrival and proceeded to criticize everything from Peggy’s outfit, home decor as well as the meal. But when the gin-soaked woman turned on her own husband, that’s when the real show started.

But Kat Craig wasn’t the only one to get loud and disrespectful. Her combativeness seemed contagious as various wars and confrontations popped up around the Saint-Louis embellished table. When the young trophy-wife of a recent OC transplant complained about the limited vegan options along with the cruelty associated with the killing of God’s creatures for unnecessary consumption, Ariela Fernandez rolled her eyes and announced, “You don’t seem too concerned about the sacrifice made in order for you to arrive carrying the latest Birkin.” And that, ladies & gentleman, concluded Thanksgiving in Newport Coast. I’m already looking forward to New Year’s Eve!

Though our Ladies of OCCH are seldom seen slumming in the coastal neighborhoods to the south, yours truly isn’t above leaving my Newport Coast bubble for a good old-fashioned, Gay Pride Event. Especially when it’s put on by my favorite Out n’ About sOCialite, Daniele Fernandez!

Dani, his über-fabulous mother, Clarice, and the rest of the Fernandez clan, may reside in Laguna Beach, but let’s be clear, they can probably afford to buy up half of Newport Coast. Rumor has it, they’ve outbid catty Kat Craig for the most prized, beachfront, double lot behind the gates of The Crest at Emerald Hill. But seeing as how they’ve just broken ground, we’ll have to settle for parties at the Fernandez’s waterfront, Laguna Beach abode for now. And what better reason for an evening soirée than to celebrate the recent wave of LGBT-elected officials across the country.

Now, seeing as how the curtain of Orange County is still in full effect and many of my neighbors are probably in need of smelling salts after reading the above statement, let it be known that On The Coast magazine does not endorse any political party or its candidates. However, one thing we do co-sign on is the representation of diversity in all aspects of society. We applaud Dani for partnering with the Laguna LGBT Organization to celebrate these historic victories with a fundraiser to support college scholarships for LGBT youth.

It looks like the youngest of the three Fernandez children is happily taking on the philanthropic reigns of his mother. As well as following in her footsteps by utilizing charitable events to debut the latest looks from Chanel’s runways. Hey, Dani, let us know when you’re ready to auction off those alligator boots!

It’s been quite a year but the Holiday Season is finally upon us! And this November, our sOCialites will have the opportunity to give thanks for something other than a pair of over-the-knee Jimmy Choo boots or the latest “It” handbag. South County’s very own beauty and style icon, Juliette Stamp, is set to host a holiday fundraiser at her swanky Newport Coast eatery, Santiago’s.

While we definitely don’t need an excuse to devour the savory dishes sizzling out of Santiago’s authentic Mexican kitchen, this pre-Thanksgiving affair will offer multiple opportunities to do so at a discounted price. For five-hundred dollars, guests will enjoy a five-course dinner, a select assortment of wine and cocktails and a gift card entitling them to twenty percent off any bill between January 2 and February 13. And with no exclusions or limitations, purveyors of top-shelf liquor (I’m speaking directly to Kat & Jack Craig) can satisfy their Don Julio 1942 addictions at a reduced rate.

Though a resident of Laguna Beach, Juliette’s making quite the name for herself among the who’s who of Newport society. One of the youngest members of the Ladies of OCCH, Mrs. Stamp is taking her charitable giving a step further by promising 100% of all donations will support her latest philanthropic endeavor; a partnership with her pastor and church to feed an increasing number of OC families falling below the poverty line

The charity dinner will be held the night before Thanksgiving. Seating is limited, so if you want to secure a table, pull out that AMEX and book your reservation ASAP. Considering the abundance of handsome waiters and hostesses with looks to rival the hottest Instagram models, the town’s cougars and sugar daddies (Anders, party of two) will buy out this event in no time!